Reviving Kashmir’s Fading Cultural Heritage: A Story of Hope and Resilience

Kashmir, the ethereal land often referred to as ‘Paradise on Earth,’ has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes. But beyond its natural beauty lies a cultural tapestry rich with tradition, art, and history. This vibrant heritage, however, has faced significant challenges over the years, leading to a gradual decline in the traditional practices that once thrived in the region.

In the heart of Srinagar, where the Jhelum River gently winds its way through the city, an old house stands resilient, its walls adorned with intricate wood carvings and colorful papier-mâché decorations. This house itself is a testament to the cultural heritage of Kashmir. Nearby, a cultural group called Yemberzal, led by Shugufta, practices for an upcoming event in a local school. The artists’ attire evokes an image of a time when such sights were common in every corner of Kashmir. Meanwhile, Shafiya, a young girl dedicated to calligraphy and wall paintings, brings to life the rich but fading culture of Kashmir with each stroke of her brush.

The Resurgence of Rouf Dance

As a child, I recall chilly winter evenings when my elder sister and her friends would gather in a courtyard during Ramadhan. After breaking their fast, they would perform the Rouf dance, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The rhythmic clapping and synchronized footwork of the dancers created a mesmerizing spectacle, accompanied by melodious songs in the Kashmiri language.

Rouf is a traditional folk dance performed during festive occasions like Eid. Up until the 1990s, young women would gather in courtyards after breaking their fast in the evening to perform the Rouf, celebrating the joy brought by the holy month. The women formed semicircles by holding each other’s waists or shoulders, symbolizing bonding, love, and unity. Aaisha, a woman in her forties, fondly recalls how her friends would call her to join the Rouf during Ramadhan and Eid, singing songs that praised Allah and the blessings of Ramadhan.

Many believe that the Rouf dance is inspired by the movements of a bee towards a bud. These love stories were often narrated during the onset of spring in the Rouf. The women wore colorful Pherans and silver jewelry as they danced and sang. Unfortunately, due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and cultural bans in Kashmir, the Rouf dance has faded, now limited to marriages and performed by only a few families.

Determined to revive this tradition, Shagufta created a cultural group with like-minded friends. Inspired by her grandmother’s stories, Shagufta organizes dance workshops, encouraging young girls to learn the intricate steps and rhythms of Rouf. Her efforts have sparked renewed interest, bringing together generations of women to celebrate their cultural heritage. Today, she is invited to perform Rouf at various events across Kashmir.

Rubaru: A Forgotten Art

Rubaru, a unique art form combining theater and storytelling, has long been a part of Kashmir’s cultural fabric. Traditionally performed in village squares and community gatherings, Rubaru involves a narrator recounting tales of love, valor, and spirituality, often accompanied by music and dance. This art form entertained and educated the masses, preserving historical and cultural narratives.

In recent times, however, Rubaru performances have become increasingly rare. The younger generation’s preference for modern entertainment and the lack of institutional support have pushed Rubaru to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, the art form has seen a rebirth in recent years. Performers now use Rubaru to educate people about government schemes, drug abuse, voter participation, and more through street plays (Nukad Natak) at key locations during special events.

Shafiya: A Beacon of Hope for Kashmiri Art

Shafiya, a self-taught artist, is passionately preserving the culture and art of Kashmir. During the lockdown, she began painting the walls of her home, channeling her creativity into vibrant murals. Venturing into pottery and papier-mâché, she discovered the disheartening decline of these traditional crafts. A visit to a shop in Dargah, Srinagar, revealed to her the struggles of artisans trying to keep these art forms alive. “I was saddened to see and hear how the art is suffering, and how few people are visiting these retailers,” she recalled. Determined to make a difference, Shafiya decided to dedicate her work to preserving these endangered crafts by blending contemporary styles with traditional techniques. Her creations, which include intricate calligraphy and mandala paintings, breathe new life into papier-mâché and pottery. Despite facing challenges due to the lack of professional art courses in Kashmir, Shafiya’s commitment to her craft is unwavering. She has garnered a following both within Kashmir and beyond, especially during the wedding season when her unique designs are in high demand. Through her efforts, Shafiya is not only reviving Kashmiri art but also inspiring a new generation to appreciate and continue these rich traditions.

The State of Art and Music

Kashmiri art and music, known for their unique styles and deep emotional resonance, face significant challenges today. Traditional music, featuring instruments like the Santoor, Rabab, and Saz-e-Kashmir, once filled the valleys with their tranquil melodies, often accompanied by the soulful poetry of legends like Habba Khatoon and Mehjoor. However, the influence of Bollywood and Western music has overshadowed these traditions, leaving many young Kashmiris more familiar with contemporary pop songs. Similarly, traditional Kashmiri art forms, including papier-mâché, wood carving, and carpet weaving, struggle against the rise of mass-produced alternatives. Artisans find it increasingly difficult to sustain their crafts as demand wanes. Despite these challenges, efforts to revive and sustain these arts are growing, driven by passionate individuals and supportive communities determined to preserve Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage.

Initiatives to Revive Kashmiri Culture

Despite the challenges, numerous initiatives at various levels aim to revive and preserve Kashmiri culture. These efforts involve government bodies, non-governmental organizations, cultural institutions, and passionate individuals dedicated to safeguarding their heritage.

Cultural Festivals: The government organizes cultural festivals showcasing traditional dance, music, and art forms. Events like the Kashmir Festival and Shikara Festival provide platforms for artists to perform and promote their work, attracting both locals and tourists.

Cultural Academies: Institutions like the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage. The academy conducts workshops, exhibitions, and competitions to encourage young talent and ensure the transmission of traditional skills.

Educational Programs: Introducing cultural studies in school curriculums can help instill a sense of pride and knowledge about Kashmiri heritage among the younger generation. Government initiatives to integrate traditional art and music into education are essential for long-term cultural preservation.

The Role of Digital Media

In the modern age, digital media plays a crucial role in cultural preservation. Social media platforms, websites, and online forums provide avenues for sharing and promoting Kashmiri culture. Artists and cultural enthusiasts use these platforms to showcase their work, connect with a global audience, and generate interest in traditional practices.

 Cultural organizations and individuals run social media campaigns to raise awareness about Kashmiri heritage. By sharing stories, videos, and images of traditional practices, they engage with a broader audience and encourage participation.

Creating digital archives of traditional art forms, music, and literature is essential for preservation. These archives serve as valuable resources for researchers, artists, and anyone interested in Kashmiri culture

The cultural heritage of Kashmir is a treasure trove of artistic expressions, traditional practices, and historical narratives. While the challenges to preserving this heritage are significant, the collective efforts of government bodies, NGOs, cultural institutions, and passionate individuals offer hope for the future. By reviving traditional dance forms like Rouf, promoting calligraphy, supporting Rubaru performances, and nurturing Kashmiri art and music, these initiatives ensure that the vibrant culture of Kashmir continues to thrive for generations to come.

The journey of cultural revival is ongoing, and it requires continuous support and participation from all sections of society. As Kashmir navigates the complexities of modernity, holding on to its cultural roots becomes not just a matter of pride but also a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of its people. Through dedicated efforts, the waning Kashmiri culture can be revitalized, allowing the rich legacy of this beautiful land to shine brightly once again.